Virgin wins on every metric in my book. OK QF better seating on the A330 but they are unicorns on domestic routes but overall VA are far out in front.

IHG Platinum Elite status can be essentially purchased by becoming a member of the Intercontinental Ambassador program and also comes complimentary on request with Virgin Australia platinum status. 

Should include the qualifying flights with virgin Australia by the main account holder required to reach status. For gold, 4 flights. Platinum, 8. 

You just leave the hotel and take the escalator opposite up to the departure level. 

If one becomes available my wife and I will be first in line. I would hope some kind of COVID certification would be required to show before exiting the country but I am keen to head off again.